If I get this right, by having the RE radius arms, the control arms will bind before the axle will drop out and break something, for the most part. If I went with a 3-link, forget the control arms, all the tension is now off the control arms and onto every other part. Is this correct?

I think the radius arm set up is a very good set up. One draw back may be that it will rotate the axle more. The 3 link is a good set up as well but if you break the one upper, you're done. Atleast with a 4 link you could ratchet strap if need be to get off a trail.